🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.